Need ladies packable/crushable wide-brim hat

[lunalibre]

For medical reasons, I'm going to have to do everything I can to keep out of the sun for the next several months. Obviously I can't stop going outdoors altogether, so I need to find a wide brim hat (at least a 4" wide brim). This hat also needs to be packable/crushable/foldable, because I'm going to need to be able to stuff this thing in a pocket or a purse when I'm inside.

Anyone have any suggestions? With a hat that big, I'm concerned about being able to pack it small enough for storage. Our local Six Flags is pretty draconian about not being able to take anything on rides and insisting you pay for the ride lockers, but I can't stand in line without the hat. I'm not supposed to be in direct sunlight without physical shade for more than a few minutes a day. So, I'll need a wide-brim hat that can fold down small enough to stuff in a large cargo pocket.

Posting on the budget board because I don't want to spend a fortune buying hats that won't work!

Thanks!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Try Tilley Endurables. They are a bit pricey, but very high quality and pack well:

http://www.tilley.com/default.aspx

 

[SDSorority]

I want to know too!

 

[Avonlady1001]

I got a nice one in Kohls for about $15. It was this season. Tag says "packable" & I've had it shoved into my beach bag, so I can attest to it! I'm not 100% sure this is the same one I bought (I bought mine in store) but it looks like the same one.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/crosssells/handbags/accessorizeyourself/hats/PRD~753555/Croft+and+Barrow+Radial+Tweed+Floppy+Straw+Hat.jsp

They have 30% off & free shipping at Kohls if you have the credit card. Codes are HITTHEBOOKS & FUN4MVC, in case anyone needs them.

I've sat on things on rides, like my flip flops...I'm sure you could even sit on this hat! LOL

 

[FourM's]

This one is my favorite. Affordable and crushable. I have dropped it in the water may times and it always washes up great. It has a drawstring inside so you can cinch it on your head and it won't blow off.
I found them at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Scala-Womens-Cotton-Inner-Drawstring/dp/B0029F26EM
(sorry for some reason the picture won't show up)
Scala Women's Cotton Big Brim With Inner Drawstring

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I have one like this from Outdoor Research (and a couple similar one made by LLBean, but appears they don't sell them anymore).

Lightweight nylon, but the brim is several layers sewn together, making it firm to stand out. (One of my LLB ones has wire in the outside edge, that is a nuisance to keep from getting bent and I hesitate to wash it. The OR doesn't have it though.)

ETA not sure that particular one is 4", but the one I have is. They have several different models.

 

[SamSam]

This one is my favorite. Affordable and crushable. I have dropped it in the water may times and it always washes up great. It has a drawstring inside so you can cinch it on your head and it won't blow off.
I found them at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Scala-Womens-Cotton-Inner-Drawstring/dp/B0029F26EM
(sorry for some reason the picture won't show up)
Scala Women's Cotton Big Brim With Inner Drawstring

Definitely going to check this one out!

 

[granmanh603]

This one is my favorite. Affordable and crushable. I have dropped it in the water may times and it always washes up great. It has a drawstring inside so you can cinch it on your head and it won't blow off.
I found them at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Scala-Womens-Cotton-Inner-Drawstring/dp/B0029F26EM
(sorry for some reason the picture won't show up)
Scala Women's Cotton Big Brim With Inner Drawstring

Ok I need one for health reasons too and was looking at this thread...I clicked thru on the Scala one that that is the one I got to use in Disney in June, it worked fine, it is cotton and squished up pretty good but I had backpack. I got it in the Bass Pro Shop and they had others I think I paid 19.99 I have a small head so got it because of drawstring so I could make it fit...

 

[Plumeria9]

I wear the Sunday Afternoons "sport hat" http://www.sundayafternoons.com/store/womens/ (I can't make it a link, don't know why). The "adventure hat" is very similar. I love it because I can just clip it to my purse when I'm not wearing it. And the brim is very wide, definitely great coverage. I love the adjustable string strap. With any gust of wind I'm happy to have it secured under my chin! It's fairly affordable and a great hat. I bought mine at Sportsman's Warehouse at least 3 years ago. I have seen them on amazon.com and other sites. It is a very lightweight hat, and washable. It does not make my head hot because the material is lightweight. My husband has a canvas Tilley hat and it is a drag because it gets dirty so easily and it is canvas, so it's thick and makes his head hot. Plus that is not very packable.

 

[Redwitch]

QVC has a line of products, including hats, by Physician Endorsed. I am lucky to have a QVC outlet nearby and was able to pick up several styles and colors for about $9.00. If you are serious about sun protection, theses hats cover your face and neck. The photopass people wanted my khaki hat as it matched their uniform. Most of my hats are reversible and I have washed them in the machine and hung to dry. If you shop through rewards programs, you will probably find QVC as a merchant.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/...an-Endorsed-St-Tropez-Wide-Brim-AdjustSun-Hat

 

[lovehoney]

I've been wearing my Columbia Sportswear Booney hat for 6 years. It holds up to pool, beaches, hiking and Disney. It gets thrown into the wash regularly and still looks great.